Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-09-29
THE COMMANDER.IN.CH
Gossip ira Regerd TO the Various Cam
didates for That Osfice-It is Hoped
General Sherman will Accept.


Special Dispatch to THE EVENING STAR.
ST. LOUIS Sept. 29.-An old soldier said to THE
STAR this morning 'This will be the largest
meeting Of the Grand Army people yet held, or
that will ever be held, In this country" There is
a condemnation OF Tuttleism On all Sides and the
intelligent men who are here fear that the dema
gogues OF the society have done it irreparabe
injury. All fears that there existed here rebel
element which would attempt to revive the senti-
ment OF the Tuttle kind have been set at rest. A
close inspection Of the hundreds OF buildings
wearing patriotic and holiday attire has failed TO
reveal single portrait OF President Cleveland, or
design political, or that could for other reasons
be taken exception to. The people, as II by gen.
eral order, have done everything that money and
labor could do to extend to those who fought for
the Union hearty, great big Western welcome
spicuous designs. The likeness Of the first comman-
der-in-chief OF the American Army Is suspended
such inscriptions as this NO North, no South, no
East no West, but One Country" President Lin
coins portrait is literally displayed as are those
OF the leading soldiers OF the war. but nowhere
that Of the Chief Magistrate OF to-day. Great
bridges OF gas jets crossed the route OF parade and
arches of various designs greeted the comrades on
their march. The public parks are occupied by
successive streets Of wall tents in trout OF which
the camp fires have been rekindled the bean pot
bOilS, and songs OF home are sung. The members
OF the Grand Army OF the Republic have been
given such a welcome as must cause those who
predicted insult at the hands OF he rebel city" TO
blush with shame.
MORE GOSSIP AS TO THE COMMANDER.
The question OF agrand commanders election
is still the principal theme OF talk There are but
three names generally considered as those of can
didates. These are SlOcum Grfer and Warner,
put many wish that Gen. sherman might be pre-
vailed upon to allow the use of his maine. There
would be no dissenting voice at his selection. 4
gentleman told The STAR yesterday that it would
not turn Gen. SclOcums way; that Willie his Seec-
tion on the one hand would stamp out the opinion
that largely prevails, that political germ has
grown within the organization, on the other such
an endorsement would result in the democrats OF
New York pressing him as a Presidential candi-
is conceded, Will prevent his being chosen COM
mander-in-chief. 1t would not do, however, for
the veterans to use, or to permit to be used such
argument, and to-day we hear that his advocacy
In behalf OF Fitz John Porter had wrought a
strong sentiment in the West against him. Also,
that his silence upon the subject OF the alleged
battle-f1ag order had injured him.
Gen. Grier is the favoiite candidate, although
the efforts of Gen. Sherman'S enthusiastic friends
might result in the old commanders unanimous
choice. Would he permit II many knotty points
which present themselves now would be avoided.
That is, the dissection Of the qualification OF the
several other candidates would not be necessary.
such course will result in more or less political
gossip.
BIG CROWDS IN TIE CITY.
The hotels, in addition to the camp accommoda-
tions, are. of course, crowded with strangers.
Prices are generally reduced, and the citizens have
taken every precaution against guests being over
charged. Many are compelled to find comfort on
mattress and pillow, which Is, with all its scanti-
ness, better than having to sleep In tent these
cool nights But such visitors as are crowded and
thus forced to live, ind good company In comrades
and cheer the time with stories and song, some
deal OF the beverage is made here ana great deal
OF it is being consumed this week.
WASHINGTON COMRADES ESTIMATES.
General Burdette does not believe that any one
of the candidates for commander OF the Grand
Army up to the present time has gained a single
point On the other hand McElrOy, OF the National
Tribune, has made q careful survey OF the field
and predicts the election OF Major warner, the
only objection TO him being that he is politician
Major Warner himself confidently expects to win.
The efort to secure General Sherman will be
made. General Ray, OF Minnesota, Is spoken OF as
dark horse, but he is new In the order. General
Ager Is also mentioned, but his extensive business
interests would not permit his giving the place the
attention It requires Despite the extensive SYM
pathy for General Slocum the politicians viii de-
tion and is fast losing what support he had all OF
which Warner GETS
IF SHERMAN REFUSES WARNER WILL WIN.
II Gen. Sherman adheres to his refusal to serve,
| the election Of Warner is pretty certain.
The first resolution presented at the encampment
has created quite STIR 1t was that drawn by Paul
vandervort, OF Omaha, who was formerly in the
Government mail service. 1t was aimed at the
President and strongly disapproved OF his OF
G10 06p60QcQt PENSION DllL 01cluUtTS are WORRIED
over the matter, and the watchword is Keep ice
on your head" The resolution will never pass in
not denunciatory, but as o mild disapprovaL Com
mander Burke, representing the Potomac, made q
strong protest against It, and wants 1t unders 0d
that It win be contended against and defeated II
possible. His prompt opposition, It Is thought,
prevented VanderyOrt carrying the resolution
| through with q whoop. 1t is In the hands OF q
committee; and viii be reported to the encamp-
ment to-day.
It is pretty well assured that the next encamp-